WAYNESBORO — A Waynesboro woman has been charged with 27 counts of cruelty to animals in connection to the surrendering of numerous rottweilers to the Antietam Humane Society from her Tritle Avenue home.

Charging documents filed in Magisterial District Judge Larry Pentz’s office indicate the 27 counts include eight puppies that were found in a freezer inside her home.

The dogs were taken from the home after the humane society had received a number of complaints regarding unsanitary conditions in the home, which executive director Andrea Haugh referred to as “deplorable.”

Other charges

Toms was charged with one count of a dog license violation for having four dogs without licenses, as well as the unlawful operation of a kennel that was filed by Franklin County Dog Law Enforcement Officer Georgia Martin, according to Pentz.

Toms reportedly suffered a medical problem March 8 and on March 9, her husband called the humane society to make arrangements to pick up the dogs, Haugh said.

Pentz said Toms faces a fine of $50 to $750 plus costs for each count of animal cruelty, along with fines and costs associated with the other charges. Toms has 10 days from the date she receives the summonses to enter a plea, he noted.

If she pleads not guilty, a trial before Pentz will be scheduled; if she pleads guilty, she will be sentenced by Pentz.

Pentz also may prohibit or limit Toms from owning animals or working at a job that involves the care of animals for 90 days for each offense of animal cruelty, he said.

Caring for the dogs

Most of the 19 dogs, which ranged in age from 1- to 10- to 12-years-old, were kept in the home, according to Haugh. Only one appeared to have a medical condition that required immediate attention and is still being treated by a veterinarian. The majority of the dogs appeared friendly, Haugh said, but had limited socialization.

Dogs have been transferred to other shelters, including Cumberland Valley, Adams and Washington counties and Better Days, according to Haugh.

“We’re still working with rescues to try to transfer additional dogs,” Haugh said. “None of the dogs we have here are currently available for adoption,” according to Haugh, who advised residents to check the websites of the other shelters to determine “if and when they are ready to be adopted. I sent the most adoptable ones out,” she added.

“As soon as dogs (here) are available for adoption, it will be posted on our website.”